Nacro Greater Manchester Outdoor Learning

• • Open Award Centre: Our programme is for any young person in the community wishing to engage with the Duke of Edinburgh award where they do not have access to the programme through school or college. We provide regular support through check-in sessions, volunteering opportunities and expeditions. Funding opportunities are available for those that need financial support.
  • Approved Activity Provider: We are also an Approved Activity Provider for the Expedition section, both for licensed organisations and individuals in need of expedition support. Find out more and sign up here.

• Primary & Secondary School outdoor learning sessions: We provide sessions to schools to enrich young people’s learning experiences. We also deliver provision to young people attending SEND schools, email outdoors@nacro.org.uk to find our more.

• Bushcraft Club for 13 – 17 years olds: We offer bushcraft and survival skills for 13 to 17 year olds, including shelter building, fire lighting, foraging and natural navigation, Tuesdays 6-7.30pm, Wythenshawe Park (March – Nov).  Sign up here.
• Adventure Club for 8-12 years olds: We have activities such as orienteering, bushcraft, cycling, crafts and conservation for 8 to 12 year olds, Tuesdays 6-7.30pm – Wythenshawe Park (March – Nov)  Sign up to the waiting list here.
• Outdoor Girls Club: Outdoor Girls Club is for girls and no binary people aged 13-17 years, providing an opportunity for them to get outdoors, exercise and socialise in a safe and welcoming space. Activities include bike riding, orienteering, outdoor crafts, woodwork, bike maintenance, bushcraft as well as a going on a residential once a year. First Thursday of the month – 6-7.30pm, Wythenshawe Park (Feb – Nov). Sign up here.
• SEND after school sessions at Wythenshawe Park: Not currently open for new participants. 

• Outdoor Girls Club: Outdoor Girls Club is for girls and no binary people aged 13-17 years, providing an opportunity for them to get outdoors, exercise and socialise in a safe and welcoming space. Activities include bike riding, orienteering, outdoor crafts, woodwork, bike maintenance, bushcraft as well as a going on a residential once a year. First Thursday of the month – 6-7.30pm, Wythenshawe Park (Feb – Nov). Sign up here.
• Stepping up: The focus of this group is on supporting women from all backgrounds to learn the skills needed to get out walking in local parks and green spaces. The women are taught about kit, weather, and navigation, and the goal is for them to pass this learning onto others within their communities. We’re not currently taking sign ups for this group but let us know if you are interested in hearing about future opportunities for women. Email outdoors@nacro.org.uk.
• A Little Bit of Wild: This is an annual campout to introduce women to the outdoors, held in Wythenshawe Park. Run by volunteers, it brings together women and non-binary people from all backgrounds to a friendly and welcoming space to learn more about the outdoors and connect with one another. We’re not currently taking sign ups for this group but let us know if you are interested in hearing about future opportunities for women. Email outdoors@nacro.org.uk.

We provide leaders with the skills they need to deliver outdoor learning to others.

We offer:

• • Introduction to delivering outdoor learning.
  • Outdoor Expedition Skills – suitable for DofE and other youth expeditions.
  • Walk Leader Workshop – suitable for groups leading walks in parks and local green spaces.
  • How to lead a nature walk workshop with focus on 5 Ways of Wellbeing.

If you would like training for your staff or volunteers, email outdoors@nacro.org.uk.

Other workshops and activities for adults

• • Outdoor Team building activities.
  • Nature Journaling workshops.
  • Bushcraft workshops.

Get in touch with outdoors@nacro.org.uk to find out more.

All of our activities are outside and adventures are often muddy so bring suitable clothing. We also have spare outdoor clothing available to borrow including waterproof jackets and boots.

We support young people from the age of 8 up to 18. We also offer sessions for adults.

Our main base is Wythenshawe Park, Manchester but we also work in local schools and do trips out to surrounding areas such as the Peak District and the Pennines.

We are always looking for people to help out with our activities. If you have an interest in youth work or outdoor learning or are looking to gain experience in this area, we would love to hear from you. You just need enthusiasm and a can-do attitude. If you’re interested, email outdoors@nacro.org.uk for more information.

Please email outdoors@nacro.org.uk.